Rafe McGregor’s Concept of Narrative Justice: Breaking the Silence in Ira Mukhoty’s Song of Draupadi

The extensive prevalence of gender-based violence globally presents a formidable challenge, often rendering the voices of the victims unheard. Women are especially vulnerable to a wide array of abuses, such as physical, emotional, and sexual violence, which they experience at disproportionately high rates. Such violence is often a reflection of deeply entrenched societal norms and stereotypes that undermine the worth of women and perpetuate a culture of aggression. Thus, the emergence of mythological retellings, particularly those infused with feminist perspectives, is important for reshaping the dominant patriarchal narratives that have persisted over time. By reclaiming and redefining mythological characters, these narratives not only confront issues of gender violence and oppression but also honour the resilience and defiance of women and these characters stand as representations of resistance and empowerment. This study explores the influence of mythological reinterpretations in confronting this gender-based violence with a particular focus on Ira Mukhoty’s novel Song of Draupadi. This novel reveals the harsh realities of gender violence while simultaneously highlighting the resilience of female characters who confront societal threats with remarkable defiance. The study employs the concept of narrative justice which aims to transform representation, amplify voices, emphasizes the rights of individuals to articulate their experiences, challenges, and have their reactions to trauma recognized to illustrate how these feminist retellings provide a platform for women to stand up for their rights and justice.

Keywords: Violence, Defiance, Justice, and Resilience.